Irish Water direct debit payments may be refundable

Disgruntled Irish Water customers may have a way of getting their money back — depending on how and when they paid their bill.

Water charges are widely expected to be suspended for the foreseeable future. And given the uncertainty over whether those who have not paid will be pursued over outstanding bills, questions are now being asked as to what refund, if any, will be granted to those who have paid their dues to date.

However, a little-known banking rule can provide a way for some Irish Water customers who paid their bills to retrieve their money — provided they paid by direct debit and made the payment within the last eight weeks.